U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales listens to his
introduction before his address to the National Press Club in Washington
May 15, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)
WASHINGTON, May 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George
W. Bush reaffirmed on Monday his full support to embattled Attorney General
Alberto Gonzales, dismissing Democratic proposals for no-confidence votes on
Gonzales as "political theater."
"He has got my confidence. He has done nothing
wrong," Bush said in response to a question during a news conference at his
Texas ranch, according to U.S. media reports.
"I stand by Gonzales," he added.
The Senate and House Judiciary committees are
investigating whether the firings of eight federal prosecutors last year stemmed
from improper political influence.
At least six Republicans have joined with Democrats
in calling for Gonzales to step down.
Democratic Senators Charles Schumer of New York and
Dianne Feinstein of California are proposing the Senate vote on a no-confidence
resolution as soon as this week.
In the House, Democrats Adam Schiff of California and
Artur Davis of Alabama introduced a measure Monday that expresses no-confidence
in Gonzales and calls on Bush to fire him.
"It is this kind of political theater that has caused
the American people to lose confidence in how Washington operates," Bush said.
However, he did not directly address a question about
whether he wants Gonzales to stay through the end of his term.
While a largely symbolic gesture, a vote of
no-confidence will add to the political pressure on Gonzales, 51, a longtime
adviser to Bush.
WASHINGTON, May 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S.
Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty resigned on Monday,
amid investigations into the firings of eight federal prosecutors last year, the
Justice Department said.
In a statement, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales
said McNulty, who had become so far the highest ranking official to resign over
the firings, would leave later this summer after more than eight years with the
department. Full story
Print
